What are connected services?

If you have a relatively new car (2015 or newer), you might have heard of—or might already be using—your car manufacturer’s connected services app. As connected services differ from car brand to car brand, it can be confusing to know what connected services are and how to sign up for them. This blog post gives you a quick overview of everything you need to know.

Connected services let you remotely monitor and control your car

A connected services account allows you to remotely monitor and control your car using your car manufacturer’s mobile app. For example, you can use this connected services app to see your car’s location directly on your phone, check its mileage, lock and unlock the doors, and preheat the battery. You can also use it to get notified as soon as you run low on gas or see your electric car’s battery level and remotely start and stop charging it.

As each car manufacturer offers its own connected services account with a dedicated mobile app, functionalities differ from car brand to car brand. The easiest way to learn about the features your car brand offers is by visiting their website. Below, you can find the names of your car brand’s connected services account and the corresponding mobile app:

Car manufacturers offer different connected services and mobile apps

• Audi’s connected services account is called Audi Connect. Their mobile app is called myAudi.
• BMW’s connected services account is called BMW ConnectedDrive. Their mobile app is called BMW Connected.
• Buick’s connected services account is called OnStar. Their mobile app is called myBuick.
• Cadillac’s connected services account is called OnStar. Their mobile app is called myCadillac.
• Chevrolet’s connected services account is called OnStar. Their mobile app is called myChevrolet.
• Chrysler’s connected services account and mobile app are both called Uconnect.
• Dodge’s connected services account and mobile app are both called Uconnect.
• Ford’s connected services account is called FordPass Connect. Their mobile app is called FordPass.
• GMC’s connected services account is called OnStar. Their mobile app is called myGMC.
• Honda’s connected services account and mobile app are both called HondaLink.
• Hyundai’s connected services account is called Blue Link. Their mobile app is called Hyundai Blue Link.
• Jaguar’s connected services account is called InControl. Their mobile app is called Jaguar InControl Remote.
• Jeep’s connected services account and mobile app are both called Uconnect.
• Kia’s connected services account is called UVO link. Their mobile app is called Kia Access.
• Land Rover’s connected services account is called InControl. Their mobile app is called Land Rover InControl Remote.
• Lexus’s connected services account is called Enform. Their mobile app is called Lexus.
• Lincoln’s connected services account is called Lincoln Connect. Their mobile app is called Lincoln Way.
• Mercedes-Benz’s connected services account and mobile app are both called Mercedes me.
• Nissan’s connected services account is called NissanConnect. Their mobile app is called NissanConnect Services.
• RAM’s connected services account and mobile app are both called Uconnect.
• Subaru’s connected services account is called STARLINK. Their mobile app is called MySubaru.
• Tesla’s connected services account and mobile app are both called Tesla.
• Toyota’s connected services account is called Connected Services. Their mobile app is called Toyota.
• Volkswagen’s has two types of connected services accounts: Car-Net and WeConnect. Their mobile app is called Volkswagen Car-Net.

Does my car have connected services?

To be eligible for a connected services account, your car needs to be connected. Being “connected” simply means that your vehicle has a cellular modem built-in that allows it to connect to the internet. Connected cars are becoming more and more common. In fact, 80% of vehicles sold in the U.S. today are connected.

Even if you don’t yet have your connected services account set up, your vehicle might still be connected. Head to connectyourcar.com to check whether your car is eligible. If your car brand is not included on connectyourcar.com, check your car brand’s website or call them to ask whether your car is eligible.

How to set up your connected services account

Each car manufacturer has a different process for setting up your connected services account. For some car brands like Tesla, you receive your account credentials right when purchasing your vehicle. For other brands, setting up your connected services account might take up to 15 minutes and involve getting inside your car to press a button or use your car’s infotainment screen.

For step-by-step instructions on setting up your connected services account, head to connectyourcar.com. If your car brand is not included, check your car manufacturer’s website or call their customer service for more information.

How much does it cost?

Some car manufacturers offer their connected services account for free, and others charge you for it. Most of them provide initial free trials. To learn more about the price of your car brand’s connected services account, head to connectyourcar.com, or get in touch with your car manufacturer.